As you prepare to come back to campus to start the fall semester, we wanted to let you know about some updates about SSD’s policies and procedures. We are excited to roll out some new features of the SSD Web Portal so read the information below so you know what to expect!
Accommodation Letters
As a reminder, you now have the option of downloading and printing your own Accommodation Letters instead of picking up a hard copy from the SSD office. (Don’t worry, we’re happy to still print your Accommodation Letters for you if you prefer.) You still must submit an Accommodation Letter Request Form (http://ddce.utexas.edu/disability/using-accommodations/ ) and wait 3-5 business days for SSD to process your request. You will still get an email when your Accommodation Letters are ready to either be downloaded or picked up from the SSD office. Students are still responsible for delivering and discussing their accommodations with their instructors before they can use their accommodations!
SSD Video: Delivering Accommodation Letters
In the Spring semester SSD partnered with the Texas Center for Disability Studies to create a video that demonstrates how to discuss your accommodation letters with your instructors. We encourage you to take a few minutes to watch this video and learn how to avoid some of the most common mistakes that students and instructors make when discussing accommodation letters. Hopefully this video will help you feel more confident and prepared to talk with your instructors. A special thanks to SSD’s intern Marisa who wrote the script and helped coordinate all the logistics of creating the video! Check it out here: http://ddce.utexas.edu/disability/using-accommodations/
Viewing Upcoming Appointments/Exams
You can now view your upcoming appointments or exams scheduled with SSD via the online web portal: http://ssdportal.ddce.utexas.edu/ClockWork/custom/misc/home.aspx . Log in using your EID and password and click on the Accommodation Letters or Book a Test Module. At the top of the screen you will see several options including “My Upcoming Events”. Click this tab to see your appointments and exams scheduled with SSD.
Online Test Reservations
If you are approved for testing accommodations and your instructor cannot provide your testing accommodations you can now submit a Test Reservation Request via the SSD online portal: http://ssdportal.ddce.utexas.edu/ClockWork/custom/misc/home.aspx . Click on “Book a Test” and follow the instructions. You must have requested your Accommodation Letters and discussed them with your instructors before you can submit a request. Once you submit your online request you will be emailed a form to print and take to your instructor to sign. We still require instructor approval to test at SSD so you must still discuss your testing accommodations with your instructors and get them to sign off on your test reservation at SSD. If you do not follow up with getting an instructor’s signature and return the signed form to SSD within the specified time frame your exam will be cancelled! Please note exams must still be reserved in advance because our space is limited. More information on using your testing accommodations is available on the SSD website: http://ddce.utexas.edu/disability/using-testing-accommodations/ .
Course Notes and Note-Takers
If you are approved for a notetaking accommodation you now have the option of selecting a notetaker and getting notes online! Login to the SSD online portal and click on Course Notes. You will need to select which courses you need notes for and the module will let you know if there are any notetakers available for that class. If there are notetakers available, simply select the notetaker and the notetaker will be notified that they should begin uploading their notes to the module after each class. You will need to login to view/download the notes after each class. If there are no available notetakers for a specific class, please ask your instructor if they can make an announcement asking for a volunteer notetaker (the notetaking guideline that comes with your Accommodation Letter will have further instructions). As always, if you have problems receiving notes or have any difficulty with receiving your accommodations please contact your Disabilities Services Coordinator in SSD immediately.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your accommodations please contact your SSD Coordinator. We are here to ensure you are getting equal access to your academics at UT!